I’ve always been a huge fan of wings — they’re the ultimate comfort food, perfect for sharing or just indulging on a solo snack night. But let’s be honest: traditional wings can sometimes feel like a messy, time-consuming affair. That’s why I’m obsessed with this 25-minute air fryer honey garlic wings recipe. It’s quick, easy, and delivers crispy, golden wings coated in the most flavorful honey garlic sauce you can imagine. Using an air fryer means you get that perfect crunch without the extra oil or hassle of deep frying.
What really seals the deal for me is the balance of flavors. The sweetness from the honey paired with the rich garlic punch and a touch of soy sauce creates a sauce that clings perfectly to the crispy wings. Plus, cooking them in the air fryer locks in juiciness while giving you that irresistible crisp exterior. If you’re craving something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this recipe will become your new go-to!
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Chicken Wings: The star of the show! I prefer using fresh chicken wings, either whole or separated into flats and drumettes. They have just the right amount of skin to get crispy in the air fryer while staying tender inside.
Honey: This ingredient brings the perfect natural sweetness that balances out the savory and garlicky notes. I recommend using pure honey for the best flavor and a nice sticky glaze.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for that bold, aromatic punch in the sauce. Minced garlic works best to evenly distribute flavor across every wing.
Soy Sauce: A splash of soy sauce adds a savory, umami depth to the honey garlic glaze. It also gives the wings a beautiful golden color when cooked.
Olive Oil: Just a little bit helps the wings crisp up in the air fryer and keeps them from sticking. It also adds a subtle richness.
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance the natural flavors of the wings and balance the sweetness of the sauce.
Cornstarch (optional): I like to toss the wings in a bit of cornstarch before air frying for an extra crispy crust that holds the sauce well.
Ingredients List
- 2 pounds chicken wings (whole or separated)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for extra crispiness)
How to Make 25-Minute Air Fryer Honey Garlic Wings
Step 1: Prepare the Wings
Start by patting the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving maximum crispiness. If you want extra crunch, toss the wings lightly in cornstarch, salt, and pepper to coat evenly.
Step 2: Air Fry the Wings
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Place the wings in a single layer inside the basket—avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking. Cook for 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to crisp all sides.
Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
While the wings are cooking, whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and olive oil in a small bowl. This combination will create that irresistible sticky glaze.
Step 4: Toss Wings in Sauce
Once the wings are cooked and crispy, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the wings and toss well until each wing is evenly coated.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your honey garlic wings immediately while they’re hot and sticky. They pair perfectly with some crunchy celery sticks or your favorite dipping sauce!
Tips for Making this Recipe
- For extra crispy wings, don’t skip drying the wings thoroughly before cooking.
- If your air fryer basket is small, cook wings in batches rather than overcrowding.
- Adjust the honey and garlic amounts to your preferred sweetness and flavor intensity.
- Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for a spicy kick.
- Let the wings rest for a couple of minutes after tossing in sauce to let flavors meld.
FAQs
Can I use frozen wings for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before air frying for the best crispiness.
Can I make the honey garlic sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How do I reheat leftover wings without losing crispiness?
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to regain that crispy texture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari), this recipe can be made gluten-free.
Can I bake these wings instead of air frying?
Yes, bake at 425°F for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through, but the air fryer will give you a better crispy texture in less time.